Understanding Laser Eye Surgery: How It Works and Who Is a Candidate

When you contemplate the prospect of freeing yourself from eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery often appears as a beacon of hope. This advanced medical procedure has revolutionized the way we think about vision correction, offering a high-precision alternative to traditional methods.

How Laser Eye Surgery Works

Laser eye surgery begins with a thorough eye examination to ensure that your eyes are healthy and suitable for surgery. Your doctor will assess factors such as corneal thickness, pupil size, and the degree of refractive error. These assessments are vital to customizing the surgery to your eyes' unique needs.

On the day of the surgery, you'll enter the operating room where your eyes will be numbed with drops to ensure comfort. Using a specialized device, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea to access the underlying corneal tissue. This is where the excimer laser comes into play, gently reshaping the cornea based on the measurements taken during your assessment. After the cornea is sculpted to its new profile, the flap is repositioned, and it adheres naturally without the need for stitches.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

One of the most celebrated advantages of laser eye surgery is the potential to achieve 20/20 vision or better. The precision of the excimer laser allows for a level of correction that glasses or contacts can rarely match. This heightened visual clarity can be life-changing, especially for those who have been dependent on corrective lenses for the majority of their lives.

Imagine waking up to a clear morning view without reaching for your glasses or the hassle of inserting contact lenses. Activities like swimming, running, or even watching a movie become spontaneous pleasures rather than pre-planned events requiring vision aids. Laser eye surgery offers this freedom, enhancing the quality of life and allowing for a more active lifestyle.

The cumulative expense of glasses, contact lenses, and solutions can surpass the one-time cost of laser eye surgery over the years. This procedure can be seen as a valuable investment in both your vision and financial future.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ideal candidates are typically those who have a stable prescription for at least a year, indicating that their vision has stopped changing. Additionally, candidates should be in good general health, have healthy eyes without significant corneal damage or eye diseases, and possess realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Most surgeons recommend that candidates be at least 18 years old, as vision can continue to change into early adulthood. There's no strict upper age limit for the surgery, but older individuals may have other eye conditions, such as cataracts, that need to be addressed before considering laser eye surgery.

Certain conditions may preclude you from being a good candidate for laser eye surgery. These include having thin corneas, severe dry eye syndrome, or eye diseases that affect the cornea. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to postpone the surgery, as hormonal fluctuations can affect vision stability.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?

Deciding whether laser eye surgery is the right choice for you involves a blend of personal, medical, and financial considerations. It's essential to consult with a doctor who can evaluate your individual situation and guide you through the decision-making process. Together, you can discuss the potential benefits, weigh any risks, and determine if your vision and lifestyle goals align with what laser eye surgery can offer.

If you're ready to take the next step or would like more information on laser eye surgery, visit Advanced Family Eye Care at our office in Broken Arrow/Coweta or Wagoner, Oklahoma. Please call (918) 279-8830 or (918) 485-2123 to schedule an appointment today.